Glucosamine and Chondroitin for Back Pain

Glucosamine and chondroitin for back pain are 2 substances
that are theorized to be helpful in building cartilage and slowing down
the typical degenerative processes in the spinal column. These
compounds are taken orally as a
dietary
nutritional supplement.

Glucosamine and chondroitin are sold in health food stores in
liquid and capsule form and high quality G&C supplements can be rather
expensive.

Going back a few years, glucosamine and chondroitin were all
the rage in the back pain treatment industry. So many doctors and
chiropractors sold them, often at tremendous markups, and patients were
thrilled at the possibility of fixing their spines using these
all-natural substances. However, results never lived up to the hype and
now G&C are no longer favorites among back pain relief products.

Glucosamine and Chondroitin for Back Pain Facts

Glucosamine and chondroitin are some of the building blocks of
cartilage. Both substances also have powerful anti-inflammatory
properties.

G&C have been used for over 40 years as nutritional
supplements with and without direct association to treating back ache. In fact, people take these supplements for a wide range of different reasons.

Glucosamine and chondroitin are naturally found in the human
body. Glucosamine is also found in the exoskeleton of crabs, lobsters
and shrimp (chitin). Chondroitin is found in the cartilage of other
animals. Shark and cow cartilage are the most common sources of quality
nutritional chondroitin supplements. The need for sustainable harvesting of G&C sources has slowed down production in some markets and also increased cost of many of the final consumer products.

Glucosamine and Chondroitin as Back Pain Treatments

Glucosamine and chondroitin will not work specifically to relieve back pain. They may
help to build cartilage and keep your joints functioning smoothly.
Osteoarthritis in the spine
can erode the cartilage around the spinal bones. Without the protective
cartilage, the various components of the vertebrae can rub against each
other, potentially causing painful symptoms.

Bone spurs
can also form around the spinal facet joints.
Facet joint syndrome
is the name of one diagnostic theory used to explain discomfort due
to joint deterioration in the spine. Degeneration of the cartilage
leads to increased friction in the spinal joints. This bone-on-bone
contact is the suspected reason for most facet joint symptoms.

Using glucosamine and chondroitin may help to rebuild lost
cartilage and increase the natural protective measures in the spinal
joints.

Glucosamine and Chondroitin for Back Pain Advice

I tried to use various forms of these substances for several years. My
back pain
was so severe, that I was trying everything in order to find
some relief. I never noticed any positive effects from either
glucosamine or chondroitin. However, I did not have arthritis in my
spine or facet syndrome. I had
herniated discs
and
back muscle pain.
I did not know that G&C would not be of any use to me.

Many of my chiropractors said G&C were great for disc
pathologies, but I have also read that they have absolutely no benefits
in helping to repair or heal disc issues. I believe their claims and
recommendations had more to do with making a sale of this overpriced
product than to help any patient overcome their pain.

You might want to try glucosamine and chondroitin if you are
suffering from osteoarthritis back pain. The substances are natural and
will not harm you. They might help other painful arthritic areas, as
well. Unfortunately, quality supplements are rather expensive. Too bad health insurance will pay huge sums of $$$ for addictive and dangerous
prescription drugs,
but will not help to cover the cost of potentially helpful, natural supplements.